Waiting on Wednesday {25}: The Art of Taming a Rake by Sophia Jordan

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

A new Legendary Lovers book is coming out!!! A new Legendary Lovers books is coming out!! Did you hear me? A new Legendary Lovers book is coming out !

 

Yeah, so if you can’t tell, I’m excited! I bloody well love this series.

The Art of Taming a Rake

Sophia Jordan

January 26, 2016

 

Sparks abound in this sizzling new Legendary Lovers tale from New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan, in which a seductive rakehell must woo his spirited but love-shy bride while unmasking a mysterious assailant.

 

 Despite his notorious reputation, Quinn Wilde, Earl of Traherne, has mostly honorable intentions. So when beautiful Venetia Stratham boldly enters a gentlemen's club, demanding that Quinn stop courting her sister, he does what any bachelor would do: He kisses her. With her sharp wit, intoxicating passion, and surprising vulnerability, Venetia is irresistible—except for all this nonsense about threatening to shoot Quinn. But when clandestine enemies make an actual attempt on the earl's life, Venetia is implicated. To save her good name, Quinn does what any true gentleman must do: He proposes.

 

 Thus Venetia finds herself wed to arrogant, wickedly sensual Quinn, whose devilish ways are as legendary as his rumored skills as a lover. Yet vexingly, her body rebels against her vow to remain immune to his many charms. If only she could reform the infuriating nobleman—without diminishing his undeniable allure. As Venetia discovers that a true rake is hard to tame, Quinn faces an even greater challenge: winning his wife's fragile trust . . . while defending both their lives.

What are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday {24}: Heir To The Duke by Jane Ashford

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

I love the arranged marriage trope in historical and I adore Ashford’s writing, so I was over the moon to see that she’s coming out with a brand new Regency romance series.

 

Heir to the Duke

Jane Ashford

January 5, 2016

 

Life is predictable for a Duke’s first son

As eldest son of the Duke of Langford, Nathaniel Gresham sees his arranged marriage to Lady Violet Devere as just another obligation to fulfill—highly suitable, if unexciting. But as Violet sets out to transform herself from dowdy wallflower to dazzling young duchess-to-be, proper Nathaniel sets out to prove he’s a match for his new bride’s vivacity and daring.

 

Or so he once thought…

Oppressed by her family all her life, Lady Violet can’t wait to enjoy the freedom of being a married woman. But then Violet learns her family’s sordid secret, and she’s faced with an impossible choice—does she tell Nathaniel and risk losing him, or does she hide it and live a lie?

What are you waiting on?

A Cold Creek Christmas & Christmas in Cold Creek by ReaAnne Thayne

Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children's stories becomes a major success, she's suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone, special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer? 

 

Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter's sake. Yet all the millionaire's resources can't help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away

Christmas in Cold Creek

 

She claimed to be a waitress and a single mother, but Rebecca Parsons doesn't look like any hash-slinger Pine Gulch Police Chief Trace Bowman has ever seen. And she doesn't seem particularly maternal toward her little girl, either. Still, one look in her vulnerable green eyes and his protective instincts go into overdrive.Attention from local law enforcement is the last thing Becca needs. She'll do anything to protect her little sister Gabi from their con-artist mother, even lie about their identities. When Trace shows up at their house carrying a Christmas tree and stirring desires she can't afford to indulge, she longs to surrender to the magic of the season with him. But Becca's past is catching up--"fast." Can her sexy police chief perform a Christmas miracle?

Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition | Genre: Contemporary Romance | Source: MLM Media Relations 

A Cold Creek Christmas Story

Cowboys of Cold Creek #14

Rating: 4.5

This was such a heartwarming little story. It truly had me smiling the entire time as Flynn and Celeste formed a relationship while helping his young daughter mend.

 

Here’s what’s going on. Flynn Delaney is back in town to clear out his grandmother’s house. He’s also there to help his young daughter, Olivia, heal from the tragic loss of her mother and the horrific event she has been through. He never expected to get involved with someone, but once Olivia discovers that Celeste Nicholas is the author of her favorite children’s book, Flynn finds himself being thrown into Celeste’s company and much to his surprise, he discovers there’s more than a spark between them.

 

While Flynn might be a stranger to some of the residents of Pine Gulp, Idaho, Celeste remembers the kindness he once showed her. Now that he’s back, she still feels the same attraction she felt for him all those years ago. When she finds herself falling for both Flynn and his daughter, she knows her heart’s in danger because Flynn intends to return to California and the life he had there.

 

This book was such a lovely little romance with all the lovable elements of an amazing Christmas romance. Compassion, love, healing, romance, and holiday cheer lace the pages.

 

Celeste has to be one of my favorite heroines. When she was writing stories for her nieces and nephew, she never thought that they would turn into a bestseller or that Hollywood would be interested in turning them into an animated movie. Although the Christmas Ranch her family owns needs the money, she’s a very private person content with working at the library. She has a lot to think about then Flynn comes back into her life and she can’t help the attraction she still feels for him.

 

One thing I really loved about Celeste is the way she bonded with Olivia. The tragedy that she endured when she was young allowed her to understand how to approach Olivia and help the little girl to mend her body and her spirit.

 

Oh, Flynn was lovable as well. He’s a fiercely protective father. Having almost lost his daughter, I really can’t blame him. Although he was almost too protective of her which started to hinder her recovery, so it was nice to see him finally relent to Celeste and allow her to gently coax Olivia back into the little girl she used to be.

 

The romance between Celeste and Flynn was so sweet. There’s an attraction and chemistry from the start but it took a while before figured out how to balance being a father to a child who has been through so much trauma with being in the dating world. My only problem with this was we never really got to see Celeste and Flynn dating. They went from an easy friendship to instantly in love and, while it worked for this book, I would have liked to have seen it drawn out a bit more.

 

Another thing was the conflict. There was minor conflict between Celeste and Flynn but most of the conflict came from Flynn’s internal struggle. He wanted to be with Celeste, but he was afraid it would interfere with his ability to care for his daughter.

 

While there was attraction and chemistry, this was one had no heat just a bit of kissing. So, if you’re looking for a Christmas romance without the sex but with an amazing plot, then definitely give this one a go.

Christmas in Cold Creek

Cowboys of Cold Creek #9

Originally Published in 2011

Rating: 3

I’m really starting to enjoy romances where the hero is in law enforcement and the heroine is in some kind of trouble with the law or is hiding something so I was rather pleased to see that trope in this story.

 

Here’s what’s going on. Becca is the new waitress at The Gulch, she’s also pretending to be her half-sisters mother. She’s claiming that they came to Pine Gulch for a change of scenery but Pine Gulch Police Chief Trace Bowman has a feeling there is more to the story. And, even though there is attraction between them, Becca keeps pushing him away.

 

I really liked Trace. He’s a very honorable hero who wants to do the right thing and look after the citizens of his little town. Ten years ago, his parents were murdered in a robbery gone wrong and it caused him to lose the Christmas spirit, so it was nice to see Becca restore that part of him.

 

When the book started, I liked Becca then I stopped liking her. She was trying to protect her sister from their con-artist mother although she developing an attraction to the town’s police chief. She allowed herself to grow closer to Trace then suddenly, instead of going to him for help as he told her she could do, she started treating him cruelly to drive him away. Although when she needed his help, she didn’t think twice about going to him. I really don’t like it when characters do that because it feels like they are using the people.

 

The relationship between Trace and Becca was a bit odd. There was an attraction but it felt as though it was lacking chemistry. Also, it seemed as though they went from some odd semblance of friendship to falling in love. Although unlike the first book, this one just didn’t seem to work and I think it had to do with the way Becca treated Trace.

 

There was a touch of conflict in this book but it could have been avoided if Becca would have told the truth and actually talked to Trace. What annoyed me the most about this one was the fact there was a rather important thread left dangling. It has to do with what happened to Trace’s parents and it really sparked my interest but, sadly, it was left open.

 

Overall, I’ve been eager to try RaeAnne Thayne’s romances and I have to say I was rather pleased. While A Cold Creek Christmas was definitely my favorite in the series, Christmas in Cold Creek was interesting although not fully developed.

New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including four RITA® Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. RaeAnne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.raeannethayne.com.

What’s been your favorite Christmas/Winter read?

Waiting on Wednesday {23}: Rebel Cowboy by Nicole Helm

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

Okay, so I love Nicole Helm. I first discovered her with Bride by Mistake, which I loved, then I ventured into her Harlequin romance, another great discovery. Now she is releasing her Big Sky Cowboys series with Sourcebooks Casablanca (yay!).

 

Rebel Cowboy

Nicole Helm

January 5, 2016

 

UNDER A BIG SKY

 For hotshot NHL star Dan Sharpe, hockey isn't just his job-it's his everything. But when claims of cheating get him bounced from the ice, he finds himself feeling lost. Everyone thinks he's crazy for taking on his grandfather's ramshackle Montana ranch, but hey, he's Dan Sharpe: how hard can it be?

 

As it turns out? Plenty hard.

 

Mel Shaw has been fighting tooth and nail to keep her family from falling apart. The last thing she needs is a distraction, but taking a job as some city slicker's consultant may be her only chance to save the land she loves. But she never expected someone like Dan to come roaring into her life, and it doesn't take long for Mel to realize this hockey-star-turned-cowboy has the power to upend her carefully ordered world-and heart-for good.

What are you waiting on?

Her Mistletoe Cowboy by Marie Ferrarella

Kimberly Lee isn't sure what she'll find when she comes to Forever, Texas, to do a story on a groundbreaking program that could put this small town on the map. It certainly isn't the warm, friendly community that makes the roving reporter feel instantly at home. Or the accident that lays her up at Garrett White Eagle's ranch, where the blue-eyed rancher awakens feelings she long ago gave up.

 

Giving people hope again is the goal of the healing ranch Garrett started with his brother. And the lovely, hardworking writer is no exception. Doesn't Kim realize how much good they can do—together? Her future is here with him if she's willing to trust in a love that could fulfill the promise of forever.

 

Series: Forever, Texas # | Publisher: American Romance | Genre: Contemporary Romance | Source: MLM Media | Rating: DNF

I liked the premise of this one. The heroine comes to a small-middle-of-nowhere-town to write a story on the healing ranch owned by the handsome hero then an accident forces her to spend time at his ranch.

 

Sounds good right? Handsome rancher, forced proximity, heroine that’s out of her element. I really thought this one would be one that I couldn’t put down and I really was hooked on Garrett from the start. He’s kind, caring, devoted to his brother and the healing ranch. He also has this amazing sense of humor.

 

Sadly, the heroine ruined the book for me. It wasn’t that Kimberly was a journalist—those do have the tendency to go either way for me—it was the simple fact she was such a negative, whiny person. And so bloody stupid—TSTL. When her GPS stopped working, she actually parked her car on the side of the road because she’s 28 years old and a product of the digital age so she doesn’t know how to read a map. Then she goes on this whiny little rant about how she is going to bake to death in her rented car. Honestly, Garrett just should have left her there.

 

I was so ready to walk away from the book, but I was only at the end of Chapter 1, so I kept reading. I wanted to see how Kimberly would act once she was on the page with Garrett. Unfortunately, things did not improve. She went from whiny to negative. Every time Garrett would say something, Kimberly had a snarky negative reply.

 

Overall, I made it to page 75 then skipped ahead and found that she was still overly annoying. While I loved Garrett’s humor and caring nature, he still wasn’t enough to make me finish this book and it ended up becoming a DNF for me.

MARIE FERRARELLA’s first romance was bought by Second Chance at Love in 1981. She has also been published by Silhouette, Harlequin, Zebra, Harper, Bantam and Berkeley. She has received several RITA nominations from the Romance Writers of America Association over the years with one win for Father Goose in the traditional romance category. She has also been nominated several times in various categories by Romantic Times Magazine.

How far do you get before you decide to DNF a book?

Waiting on Wednesday {22}: The Rock by Monica McCarty

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

So, I’ll admit it, the cover was the first thing that caught my eye. Then I noticed that this was a Highland Guard novel by Monica McCarty. While I’ll admit this series has been hit and miss for me, I’m intrigued by the premise of this book. 

 

How could you resist this book? He’s the son of the castle blacksmith and she’s the daughter of a powerful lord, he knows that they could never be together but now she’s coming to him for help.

 

Yep. Sign me up for this one because it looks like it’s going to be a fantastic historical Highlander romance.

Title: The Rock (Book #11 of Highland Guard)

Author: Monica McCarty

Release Date: 12/29/2015

 

The first time he caught sight of Elizabeth Douglas, Thomas MacGowan thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. When it becomes clear that his childhood companion will never see him as a man she could love, Thom joins Edward Bruce’s army as a man-at-arms to try to change his lot. If he’s harbored a secret hope that he could close the gap between them, he faces the cold, hard truth when Elizabeth comes to him for help. She might need the boy who used to climb cliffs to rescue her brother from the hands of the English, but she would never see the son of a smith as a man worthy of her hand.

What are you waiting for?

The Highlander's Accidental Marriage by Callie Hutton

Scotland, 1817

 

The Duke of Manchester's sister, Lady Sarah Lacey, always abides by the rules of etiquette. Fate, however, has no such confines. On a journey to the Scottish Highlands, Lady Sarah is set upon by misfortune–leaving her without carriage or chaperone, and left to the mercy of a kind and handsome gentleman. Whom (in order to secure a room at an inn) she announces is her husband.

 

When she proclaims they’re married in public, Professor Braeden McKinnon can't bring himself to correct the lovely Lady Sarah. After all, her reputation would be ruined. Nor can he tell her that her proclamation is not only legally binding in Scotland, but sharing a room is considered to be an act of consummation...

 

Now they are bound together until death do they part–even if Sarah has no intention of becoming any man's wife.

 

 

 

 

Series:Marriage Mart Mayhem series #6 | Author: Callie Hutton| Publisher: Scandalous, an imprint of Entangled | Release Date: 11/30/2015 | Genre: Historical Romance | Source: Publisher | Rating: 3.4

 

What’s a Lady—who does not intend to marry—to do when she finds herself accidentally married to a wickedly smart  and handsome Highland professor.

 

Here’s what’s going on. All Sarah wanted to do was travel to the Scottish Highlands to visit her sister who is about to give birth. Although a string of accidents has her leaving behind her maid and journeying with a handsome Highlander who came to her aid. In order to procure a room at an overly crowded inn, Sarah tells the owner the room is for her and her husband.

 

The last thing Braeden McKinnon expected when he kindly helped the damsel in distress was to become accidentally married to her, yet he can’t bring himself to correct her. He also can’t seem to bring himself to tell her that they are now, in fact, married. And as Braeden grows accustomed to his accidental marriage, Sarah will do anything in her power to pretend it never happened.

 

I really liked Braeden—okay, so I loved Braeden. He’s super smart, sexy, kind, caring, patient, and puts up with a lot more that he should from Sarah. I definitely wouldn’t mind sharing a carriage ride with him.

 

Sarah, for the most part, annoyed me. I thought she came off as spoiled, bratty, and selfish. There were a few likable moments, but, blimey, most of the time I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her or just plain slap her. She was the one who got them into this accidental marriage yet she treated Braeden horribly. I did admire her determination and her goal of publishing her book but she could have handled things a bit better. It wasn’t until the end, when she finally got her crap together, that I really started liking her.

 

The chemistry was a bit awkward. Although Braeden still wanted to go on his expedition to Rome, you could tell he was attracted to Sarah and was growing accustom to having a wife and possibly children in the future. There were times when Sarah felt a spark for Braeden—and she was more than happy to have him in her bed—yet she kept trying to push him away and it interfered with the chemistry between them.

 

While I did enjoy this book as a whole, some things just felt off kilter. Oddly enough, it wasn’t the journey from hell that felt out of place—seriously, every time I go on vacation some sort of natural disaster happens, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, freak storms, so I can actually all of those events that happened on Sarah’s journey actually happening. It was the fact that the characters were so blasé about the deaths that occurred. Sarah has this whole, ‘don’t worry about it they’re not ours’ mentality going on when the driver died. Their reactions just didn’t seem natural.

 

Also, I had a few problems with the way Braeden spoke. While the author was trying to maintain the Highland dialect, she was also trying to maintain an air of education with Braeden and it occasionally made his dialogue feel forced.

 

Another thing that rather irked me—and I find this in so many books dealing with Highlanders—is the fact the author wants to make sure they include some nod to the fact the character speaks Gaelic without actually adding in said Gaelic. So what generally happens is that you’re reading along and suddenly you come across the dreaded, ‘he murmured this in Gaelic’ or he ‘let out a string of Gaelic curses’. I mean, I don’t expect to see an entire conversation take place in Gaelic but I would like to see a bit mixed in.

 

Overall, this was a pleasant little read. I really enjoyed a scholarly hero. There’s a few things that could have went a bit differently. Although this book did pique my interest, and I’m itching to read the book that came before this one to discover the story of Sarah’s sister.

Okay, so let’s talk about the ‘accidental marriage’. After the Marriage Act of 1753 there were three legal and binding ways a couple could get married in Scotland without banns being read or a minister being present.

 

1. A couple were legally married if they declared themselves to be so in front of witnesses, regardless of whether this was followed by consummation.

 

2. A promise of marriage, followed by a sexual relationship, was regarded as a legal marriage – but this had to be backed up by some kind of proof, such as a written promise of marriage, or an oath sworn before witnesses.

 

3. Marriages 'by habit and repute' were also legal if a couple usually presented themselves in public as husband and wife, even if no formal declaration of marriage was made.

 

It was actually possible for Sarah to accidently marry herself to Braeden.  It’s also possible, given Sarah’s lifestyle, that while she had probably heard about Scotland’s lax marriage laws and ladies flitting away to Gretna Green, she didn’t fully understand how they worked and how easy it was to actually get married—on purpose or by accident.

In this book, it appears that 1 and 3 were mingled together to form an easier way to have an accidental marriage. It wasn’t as cut and dry as it appeared in the book. Sarah’s declaration alone wouldn’t have been enough to marry them right there on the spot. Braeden would have had to declare along with Sarah and in front of witnesses that he too was married to Sarah.

 

This is where #3 comes in marriage 'by habit and repute’. It was actually what we would think of as a ‘common law marriage’—in Scotland, it was known as a ‘practice marriage’—the couple would declare themselves married then live together for a certain amount of time, usually a year and a day. For the book, this process was sped up.  

Outlander-inspired Je Suis Prest Cuff Bracelet from Tag Your “IT”

 

This lovely copper cuff is hand-stamped on the outside with ‘Je Suis Prest’ the motto of clan Fraser. Stamped on the inside is the translation, ‘I am ready’. This was actually one of my favorite moments from both the book and the show, and as the Simmons clan is a sept of the Fraser clan, ‘Je Suis Prest’ is actually the motto of my ancestors so it makes this cuff extra special for me.  

 

I’ve worn this bracelet for a few weeks now and I have to say, it’s becoming one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. As it’s a cuff bracelet, it’s very easy to wear. I don’t have to worry about removing it when I type and it’s adjustable so it fits nearly every wrist.

 

It’s very light on my wrist, yet it’s a very sturdy bracelet—I’ve worn it carrying in groceries, moving around boxes, putting up the Christmas tree and it’s retained its shape beautifully.

 

I really love the look of this bracelet. The copper catches the light, the letting is even, and I love that the lettering has a hand-written look to it rather than a manufactured look.

 

It’s also a great conversation starter. Either they recognize ‘Je Suis Prest’ from Outlander or they ask what it means.

 

You can find this lovely piece HERE

 

Looking for the perfect gift for the Outlander fan in your life. Dawn Turner, the lovely proprietor of Tag Your “IT”, has you covered. Check out her handmade Outlander-inspired creations HERE.

About Tag Your "It"  

I created Tag Your "It" out of my love for animals, and the need to properly identify them, which is where the "It" came from. As I began selling more and more, the requests for "human" jewelry became greater, and "It" can be anything from your four legged to two legged babies, your keys, or even your mother in law! I love to be creative! I use several different techniques to make everything truly one of a kind, and welcome any special requests. Please feel free to email me with any questions! Thanks for checking us out!

 

~ Dawn

Find Tag Your "IT" on:

    

 

Stranded with the Boss by Elizabeth Lane

A single mom—and her twin babies!—are snowbound with the boss. Can they melt his frozen heart?

 

When Tessa Randall sues CEO Dragan Markovic's company for unfair termination, he insists on hearing her side of the story. But the billionaire known as The Dragon gets more than he bargained for when he's stranded at his snowy Alaskan lodge with Tessa and her twin toddlers. Now the flame-haired beauty wants to uncover his story. How can he tell her that her children remind him of his harrowing past and all that he lost? Or that the sweet family of three is slowly melting The Dragon's frozen heart…

 

Series: Billionaires and Babies | Publisher: Harlequin Desire | Genre: Contemporary Romance | Source: Publisher | Rating: 3.5 Cups

When Dragan Markovic learns that Tessa Randall refuses to accept his generous settlement and intends to follow through with her lawsuit against him company, he decides he wants to hear her side of the story. So when Tessa’s flight is delayed, Dragan offers her a ride on his private plane although he never expected her to bring along her twin toddlers or for them to be stranded at his lodge in Alaska. Events from Dragan’s past has him wired to stay away from Tessa’s children, but he finds himself growing closer to them and their mother.  

 

Dragan has been through a lot. Growing up in war-torn Sarajevo has left him emotionally capped off and because of what happened to him he doesn’t want to be a father, he doesn’t want to be responsible for bringing up children, and he doesn’t want to allow himself to fall in love. He’s a damaged—yet lovable—hero. Given what he’s been through, I would have almost expected him to come off as angst-filled and surly. Instead, he pulls away when he starts getting close to Tessa and the girls. Yet when they need him, he’s there no questions asked.  

 

While I felt as though a vivid picture of Dragan was painted, Tessa wasn’t as thoroughly flashed-out. The little I learned about her could fill a thimble. She’s a fiercely protective single mother of two adorable—yet rambunctious—toddlers. Her fiancé died. She was wrongly fired from her job and now has a lawsuit filed against the company. She’s drawn to Dragan, even though she tried to stay away. I learned about her parenting skills, her reasons behind the lawsuit, yet I didn’t really feel as though I was able to really meet Tessa.

 

The chemistry between Dragan and Tessa was interesting. There was a spark at the beginning, then when she discovered who Dragan was, it went back to bordering on enemy territory, then once they were forced to spend time together the flame seemed to ignite.

 

The twins, Missy and Maddie, both had very different personalities. Maddie’s a little Houdini who can escape from just about anywhere and Missy was all cuddly and smiley. Their antics kept the book lively and it was fun watching Dragan learn to interact with them. I enjoyed how they were intertwined within the story without bogging down the plot.

 

I had a slight problem with the lawsuit. I completely understand Tessa wanting to make sure that her hospital bills were covered, but the fact that she was allowing her lawyer to use the lawsuit to make an example of Dragan’s company kind of irked me. It also irked me that Tessa allowed her lawyer to cow her into a corner. I really wished she would have been more vocal and stood up for what she actually wanted.

 

Overall, I liked this book. I’m a sucker for the forced proximity trope. I enjoyed watching Tessa and her toddlers melt Dragan’s frozen heart. I would have liked to have seen more of who Tessa was. She came off very flat and one-sided.  Yet it was still a cute, quick little read. While the plot felt complete, the ending could have been extended by a few extra chapters.

Books with babies…love them or hate them?